On February 4, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in support of SB 296 – Juveniles - Detention and Confinement - Limitations on Juvenile Contact With Incarcerated Adults.  This bill would sensibly limit the long-term holding of a juvenile in an adult detention center, including all local detention centers. Local detention centers have gone to great lengths to comply with federal mandates that apply in the rare instances when they…

On January 27, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample submitted written testimony to the Judiciary Committee in opposition to HB 444 – Public Safety - Immigration Enforcement Agreements - Prohibition.  This bill would prohibit counties from maintaining or creating immigration enforcement agreements, terminate nine existing agreements, and restrict local law enforcement and corrections staff from setting binding standards with federal agencies operating in their jurisdictions. A lack of regular communication and documented boundaries and standards can…

On January 27, Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified before the Judicial Proceedings Committee in opposition to SB 49 – Unhoused Individuals - Rights and Affirmative Defense.  While this bill aims to protect unhoused individuals, it could worsen housing insecurity, restrict local safety interventions, and pose serious risks to public health and community well-being. The challenges the bill presents to local governments are significant and stem from a preemption on local ability to enforce local…